A Self-Portrait With Daddy
Explore Emily Crockford's first portrait selected for the prestigious Art Gallery of NSW Archibald Prize
Self-portrait with Daddy in the daisies, watching the field of planes (2020)
This large scale work measures 84 x 198 centimetres, painted in acrylics on canvas and was a finalist in the Archibald Prize 2020.
Self Portrait with Daddy in the Daisies watching the field of Planes (2020) by Emily CrockfordStudio A
The painting depicts the artist surrounded by daisies and model aeroplanes as she sits atop the shoulders of her late father John Crockford, who passed in January 2020.
“I made myself a ‘selfie’ with memories of my dad. Because we are the best father and the best daughter.” said Emily.
Self Portrait with Daddy in the Daisies watching the field of Planes (2020) by Emily CrockfordStudio A
Referencing on an old family photograph, a young Emily happily sits on the shoulders of her father as model planes fly around them.
Emily's father was an avid builder and flyer of model planes and Emily would watch him make them in the garage workshop space of their family home.
"It’s my dream come true. It’s my dream of my Daddy. I watched him flying his beautiful planes in the fields. He made amazing models. This painting is very special to me, because he’s my lovely father."
Self Portrait with Daddy in the Daisies watching the field of Planes (2020) by Emily CrockfordStudio A
Moving down the long canvas is a modern day 'selfie' portrait of Emily. Emily loves taking the odd selfie, solo or with friends and fellow artists at Studio A.
The portrait is "a selfie with memories of my dad, featuring botanical flowers, because I love flowers."
"I’ve painted pink and white daisies for Daddy because he loves them and I love the colours."
The painting features intricate patterns and a vibrant colour palette painted in acrylics which is indicative of Emily's bold style.
Finishing with a large ornate love heart with Daddy and Emily encapsulated.❤️
Let's hear from the artists herself.
Emily sat down with artist David Capra at the Art Gallery of NSW to speak about her portrait.
Learn more about Emily Crockford here.
